Russia 2018 qualifier: We are not intimidated by any ranking – Dalung

Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youth and Sports, says the Super Eagles will make Nigerians proud in the forthcoming Russia 2018 qualifier against Algeria.
Dalung told newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja that in spite of Algeria’s position in the current FIFA ranking, Nigeria’s Super Eagles would defeat them.
Algeria is placed 36 in the current FIFA world ranking.
Dalung said: “We have never, in the history of football, played with Zambia and won, but we defeated Zambia in their home.
“So, that has set the tone of how determined we are to go and we are not at all intimidated by any ranking.
“As far as this particular competition is concerned, we are determined to face anybody irrespective of ranking; let the match determine the ranking.”
According to Dalung, the players have demonstrated that they are determined to win and make the nation proud.
He said: “I believe that they will still make us proud but we will need to ensure that their welfare is catered for.
“We won’t leave room for excuses because one of the problems we had in the past is players not being paid their bonuses or allowances.
“There is a change from this particular tradition; the team will be given all allowances as we did the last time.”
The minister urged Nigerians to support the team to succeed, adding: “We cannot afford to lose the ticket.”
The Technical Committee of Nigeria Football Federation said that all ground work and logistics needed by Coach Gernot Rohr to ensure success of the Eagles had been provided.
The NFF had also said the team’s quest to secure the maximum three points in the encounter depended on the player’s commitment and doggedness to fly over their opponent at home.
The NFF had also said that it had settled all grey areas that could hinder the Eagles from coming out victorious in the encounter.
The Eagle online News reports that the Super Eagles will host the Algerian team on November 7 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom for the 2018 World Cup qualifier.